The price of bikes vary according to type and level. Hallam said an entry level road bike ranges from $650 to $2,000. A step up from that will be between $2,000 and $4,500. Top of the line bikes are in the $6,000 to $13,000 range, he said. Mountain bikes start at $359 and go up to $10,000, and hybrids are between $429 and $2,000.

As for brands, Hallam said his store custom-makes bikes to fit the rider. He said the frames are imported from Italy. Big name brands aren’t bad, but he doesn’t recommend them for serious bikers.

"They’re cookie cutter bicycles – they all come off the assembly line," he said. "If you’re spending $3,000 or $4,000 on a bicycle, you’ll want it custom built to fit your specifications."

For maintenance, Hallam recommends avid cyclists get a tune-up every year and for others every 2,500 miles. He also said bicyclists should change the chain on their bikes every so often as they stretch out over time.

Another important investment for bikers is a helmet. Hallam said the more expensive the helmet, the better.

"If you’ve got a $5 head, buy a $5 helmet," he said.

Hallam said helmets can cost up to $150.

As for other gear, Hallam said you don’t need much more than back-up tubes for tires and an air pump.

"Just get on a bike and ride it," he said.

Teresa Franco Verity may be reached at tfranco@wickedlocal.com or follow her on Twitter at @TeresaFranco_WL.